How to Clean a Commercial Popcorn Machine
From concession stands to theaters, many establishment rely on commercial popcorn poppers to make large batches of buttery popcorn. Routinely cleaning the interior, kettle and exterior helps keep the maker in peak condition for a long time. The video and instructions below show you how to clean a commercial popcorn machine.
Cleaning a Commercial Popcorn Machine
- Step 1. Turn the machine off and let it cool down -- Turn off the popper and unplug the power cord. Let the machine cool down before you start the cleaning the procedure. This could take about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 2. Discard popcorn from the machine – Once the machine has cooled down, remove any remaining popcorn. Use a scoop to remove large batches. When clearing out small remnants and kernels, you can either remove them with a soft cloth or brush.
- Step 3. Remove the kettle – When the kettle has cooled down, remove it from inside the machine. Each manufacturer has specific instructions for this procedure. Make sure to follow the guidelines in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Step 4. Clean the kettle – Clean the kettle with a soft cloth or sponge that’s been dampened in water and a light amount of mild dish soap. Never submerge the kettle in water as it can damage the element and other electrical components. Scrub both the interior and exterior of the kettle carefully. Then, rinse with another soft cloth or sponge dampened in just warm water.
- Step 5. Wipe down the interior – Clean the interior surfaces of the machine with a soft cloth. You can either use a cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish soap or a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Use separate soft cloths to rinse and dry the machine.
- Step 6. Wipe down the exterior – Clean the stainless steel exterior with a soft cloth. Like the interior, you can use either a cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish soap or a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Use separate soft cloths to rinse and dry the machine.
- Step 7. Remove and clean bottom tray – Remove the bottom tray and dispose of excess kernels. Then, clean the tray with a soft cloth dampened in warm soapy water. Use separate cloths to rinse and dry the tray.
- Step 8. Wipe down the glass – Apply an ammonia-free cleaner to a soft cloth. Use the cloth to wipe down the machine’s glass surfaces. Make sure to wipe down both the interior and exterior sides of the glass.
- Step 9. Reinstall the kettle – Once you’ve wiped down and cleaned the entire machine, reinstall the kettle inside the popcorn popper. Follow the procedure laid out in your machine’s manual.